William Auckland

William Auckland was born in England in 1840 and learned the art of pottery throwing from his father. He left his home near London, England in 1879 with his family and came to the United States. They spent a short time in New Jersey before settling in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the first thrower hired by Rookwood Pottery, beginning in 1881. He was the father of Fanny Louise Auckland who decorated early pieces. Although he is not known to have decorated any pieces, his initials are sometimes found on pieces along with those of the decorator. He left Rookwood Pottery in 1887 for Dayton, Kentucky. He died in 1888 of a gunshot wound.